96 on top until rained under

Although the kick-off was briefly delayed because of prolonged lightning over the Austrian region of Styria, the weather seemed have come to an understanding with the players for a short while. The rainfall weakened somewhat so that 96 could take control during the first period. As a result Hannover were able to take a 1-0 lead through Didier Ya Konan. The striker hit a flat, left-footed shot into the right hand corner of the goal in the 24th minute. 15 minutes later the Ivorian had the chance to double the lead, but he missed from the penalty spot. A foul was given after Jan Schlaudraff was held onto in the box. Coach Mirko Slomka was happy with what he had seen so far: “The first half went well; there was some good combination play, even though we were a bit sloppy to begin with. Didier scored a nice goal and the way we won the penalty with quick play, corresponds with our performance.”

The right thing to do

The second half started with six new players for the Reds: Chahed, Avevor, Eggimann, Pander, Schmiedebrach and Sobiech joined the match with Cherundolo, Haggui, Felipe, Schulz, Andreasen and Schlaufdraff being replaced. Newcomer Szabolcs Huszti wasn’t brought on at half time, although if he had been, his appearance wouldn’t have lasted very long; torrential rain poured down so much over Bad Waltersdorf at the start of the second half, that a continuation of the match in the Thermenstadion was no longer on the cards. “Unfortunately, playing football was no longer possible,” admitted Slomka. “It’s irritating that we could only play 57 minutes.” The early end to the match against FK Rad Belgrad came with the score at 1-0 for Hannover 96.

Hannover 96: Zieler - Cherundolo (46‘ Chahed), Haggui (46‘ Avevor), Felipe (46‘ Eggimann), Schulz (46‘ Pander)- Stindl, Andreasen (46‘ Schmiedebach), Da Silva Pinto, Rausch - Schlaudraff (46’ Sobiech), Ya Konan 

Goals: 1-0 Ya Konan (24’)

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